After 5: Strike Up the MSU Community Band!

It's often been said there just aren't enough hours in one day. But when it comes to something you love, it's amazing how you find the time.

From business professionals to college students and retirees, passionate individuals touched by the common love for making music gather weekly on Missouri State University's campus.

"Music has always been my first love," says Ronald Brammer, director of the MSU Community Band. "But my real love for music came when I was old enough to join the band in grade school."

High and low symphonic sounds echo out of MSU's Wehr Band Building as band members rehearse on Monday evenings in preparation for their Dec. 7 holiday concert at the West Plains Civic Center.

The MSU Community Band just played a fall set Oct. 27 at Juanita K. Hammons Hall, and the upcoming holiday show is one of about six it performs each year.

Established by Bob Scott more than two decades ago, the band is still a vibrant ensemble of more than 70 dedicated members who have a heart for music. After being appointed director in 1997, Brammer, a trumpet player, says the band has developed into an intergenerational group. Ages range from 18 to 84.

Swanie Marsh, a Realtor and relocation specialist for Carol Jones Realtors, brings an extensive musical background to the MSU Community Band. As a grade-school band member, music major and former band director for 15 years, Marsh still finds relaxation in playing.

"It's my way of staying in the music world, and it's my outlet which we all need for our stresses," says the bassoon player.

By day, Brammer works as an independent contractor helping schools raise money for programs, primarily musical groups. "They've all got large needs," he says of the secondary education programs he works with in Springfield, Republic, Ozark, Clever and Billings, for example.

His company, Ron Brammer Fundraising, assists school music departments in funding travel and instrument purchases and maintenance. Cherrydale Farms is his primary supplier of the boxed chocolates, giftware and wrapping paper that students are charged with selling.

As a business owner, musician and Sunday school teacher, Brammer has the best of all worlds.

"I have a job and business I enjoy," he says. "I also enjoy interacting with youth and being involved in music."

Marsh has been serving the Ozarks real estate market for 25 years.

Once a week, for two hours, she relishes the opportunity to make music with an "absolutely amazing group of people."

Marsh adds, "When I get in band and start playing, I'm in another world where I do gain release from my stress."

Margaret Weaver, professor of English at MSU, was adamant about being in a community band upon her arrival to Springfield.

"The first thing I wanted to know when I came to Springfield was if there was a community band," says the flute player. "It was in 1994 when I became a member."

As a language professor, Weaver says she finds a correlation between teaching and making music.

"Revision, revision, revision," she says. "Practice makes perfect.

"I have even recruited one of my students," she adds.

Through the development of the band, several member relationships have blossomed.

"I love music and people," Weaver says. "It's so relaxing to come and make music with others, I just wish there were more time to socialize."[[In-content Ad]]